NOSLER M48
Posted Jun 16, 2023
PATRIOT
Nosler's latest offering, the M48 Patriot, signals the firearms industry's continuing trend towards quality, precision and awesomely versatile sporting and hunting rifles. This rifle comes in a variety of different configurations, allowing users to customize the rifle to their specific tastes and applications. It offers the shooter a wide range of calibers, ranging from .22-.270 to .338 Win Mag and larger, allowing users to tailor the rifle to their specific needs. On top of that, Nosler has equipped the M48 Patriot with a host of features designed to increase accuracy, reliability, and comfort. Let's take a look at what the Patriot has to offer in more detail.
The Patriot's most impressive feature is its action, which is based on the popular Mauser 98-type design. This proven design is renowned for its strength and reliability, and is used by many other high-end rifles on the market today. The Patriot's action is additionally reinforced with an integral recoil lug, which helps to reduce felt recoil by distributing the force more evenly over a larger surface area. This results in a smoother, more consistent shooting experience. Additionally, the additional mass of the action helps to dampen vibrations, further increasing accuracy and consistency.
The next major point of note regarding the M48 Patriot is its trigger. The Patriot is equipped with the highly praised Timney 3.5 lb trigger, which offers users a consistent, crisp, and adjustable pull. This allows users to customize the trigger pull to match their specific preferences and shooting style. Additionally, the design of the trigger allows users to easily install aftermarket trigger components, such as springs or shoe weights, allowing users to further customize their rifle.
In addition to the trigger, the Patriot comes equipped with a solid, reliable safety. The safety is located at the tang at the rear of the action, and is easily accessible without having to contact the trigger. The operation of the safety is smooth and reliable, allowing users to transition quickly from a state of safety to a firing condition.
The next major feature to note is the barrel. The Patriot is equipped with a heavy upgraded barrel, which provides a substantial boost to the rifle's accuracy potential. The quality of the barrel used on the Patriot is top notch, and this is clearly evident in the final product. The barrel is equipped with a recessed target crown and five-R rifling, which helps to retain more accuracy potential and reduce the effects of rain and dirt on the bore. Additionally, the barrel is threaded and fitted to the action via a proprietary barrel nut system, ensuring a tight, consistent fit.
The stock of the Patriot is also of high quality. The rifle's stock is made from Grade A Grade II walnut, and features a classic American styling. The inletting on the stock is tight and precise, and the stock features laser-cut checkering. Additionally, the buttstock of the Patriot features a recoil pad, which helps reduce felt recoil and back fatigue.
Lastly, the Patriot comes equipped with a top-notch optics system. The Patriot is equipped with a 4-16x50mm Leupold VX-3i optic, which is highly praised and widely viewed as one of the best long-rage shooting optics on the market today. The optic also features a side-focus parallax adjustment, which allows users to quickly and accurately adjust the focus of the reticle at distance for improved accuracy.
In general, the Nosler M48 Patriot is a very impressive rifle. It is well designed, highly accurate, and features a bevy of useful features designed to enhance the shooting experience. The action is ably reinforced with an integral recoil lug, while the trigger is adjustable and reliable. Additionally, the quality of the barrel, stock, and optics systems are all top notch, helping to ensure that users of the Patriot will be able to consistently and accurately hit their targets with ease.
In conclusion, the Nosler M48 Patriot is a highly capable, versatile, and reliable sporting and hunting rifle. It is well designed and feature-packed, allowing users to tailor the rifle to a wide range of applications. The action is reinforced with an integral recoil lug, the trigger is adjustable, and the barrel, stock, and optics systems are all of a high quality. Additionally, the Patriot's price is incredibly reasonable given its level of quality, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile rifle that won't break the bank.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-High Accuracy -The NOSLER M48 is known to be one of the most accurate rifles in its class, producing groups in the sub-MOA range at times.
-Durability -NOSLER M48s are robustly built and designed to withstand harsh conditions. The action is made from 4140 steel and the barrel is made from 416 stainless steel for the utmost durability
-Versatility -The NOSLER M48 is available in a variety of different cartridge calibers such as 280 Ackley Improved and 6.5 Creedmoor, allowing you to pick the perfect cartridge for your needs.
-Design Features -The NOSLER M48 features several design features to make it more user-friendly, such as a back-up safety, quick-detachable magazine, and a free-floated barrel for better accuracy.
Cons:
-Price -NOSLER M48s can be quite expensive compared to other rifles in its class, so it may not be the best choice for those on a budget.
-Weight -The NOSLER M48s can be quite heavy, making it more difficult to carry in the field.
-Parts Availability -While NOSLER M48s are known to be reliable and durable, they can be difficult to find parts for.
Who Should Buy
NOSLER M48 rifles are designed for those who need an accurate rifle that can deliver long-distance shots with ease. These rifles are ideal for precision shooters, especially those who utilize varied hunting climates and terrain. Hunters who will be using the rifle for long-distance hunting, such as varmint hunting and big game hunting, should consider purchasing one.
On the other hand, those who are looking for a budget rifle that is ideal for short-distance hunting may want to look elsewhere. Due to its high price point, a NOSLER M48 is likely out of reach for someone who is looking for a cost-effective hunting rifle. Additionally, those who intend to use the rifle for range shooting or competition shooting may want to look for a different rifle, as the NOSLER M48 is not designed for those activities.
Comparisons
| Brands | NOSLER M48 | BERGARA B-14 RIDGE | STEYR PRO HUNTER |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Caliber | .308Win or .300Win | 6.5 PRC | - |
| Stock | Synthetic Collapsible | Woodland Camo Molded with Mini-Chassis Stock | - |
| Capacity | 4+1 | 3+1 | - |
| Barrel Length | 16.13-18.6 inches | 24 inches | - |
Features / Specs
• Bolt Action
• Available in 8 calibers: 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, .270 Winchester, 6.5-284 Norma, 7mm-08 Remington, 7mm Remington Mag, and .308 Win
• 24” Barrel (depending on caliber)
• LC6 Trigger
• PT&G Precision Machined Action
• HS Precision Pro-Series Stock
• Three Position Wing Safety
• Detachable Magazine
• Cerakote Finish
• 5 Round Magazine (varies by caliber)
• Muzzle Threads 5/8x24"
Popular Accessories
LIBERTY
- Bipod
- Scope rings
- Sling
- Magazine extensions
- Flash suppressor
- Forearm rail
- Optic mounts
- Monopod
- Trigger guard
- Recoil pad
Accuracy
The Nosler M48 rifle is renowned for its excellent accuracy and performance. It is able to combine a fast, flat-shooting bullet with consistent and reliable accuracy. With its unique barrel design, the Nosler M48 is able to offer both accuracy and terminal performance, making it one of the most reliable and accurate rifles on the market. The rifle is also able to offer shooters superb accuracy with its hammer-forged barrel, adjustable trigger system, and its free-floated stock. When paired with the right ammunition, the Nosler M48 is able to produce rifle groups at 1/2 MOA all the way to 600 yards. All-in-all, with the correct ammunition, the Nosler M48 is an outstanding rifle that can provide shooters with excellent accuracy and performance.
